Scouting Report: Grant Newsome

This week's scouting report is on Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville Prep offensive tackle Grant Newsome. I've been a little surprised that he hasn't been mentioned around here (and other places in the interwebs) much because at this point, he's probably the most likely 2015 lineman to commit to Michigan. Penn State and Ohio State have done a good job recruiting the previous guy with that title, Pittsburgh (PA) Baldwin's Sterling Jenkins. Newsome is a pretty solid prospect in his own right.

maybe I'm reading this as intensity/drive. From the comment posted it sounds like he isn't playing top competition right now. I'm concerned with the agression issue that he won't reach his potential. Are you seeing that as an issue?

I think it's sort of a concern, yes. It's tough to gauge that aspect from film, though. There are a few reasons why he might not be the most aggressive blocker (out of shape, poor team atmosphere, knowing he's better than the guy across from him, etc.), and some of those may disappear with a different coaching staff or atmosphere.

Although I agree it's a losing battle, I find that mentality absolutely ridiculous. I know everyone will tell me to get off my high horse, but I'm sorry, academics should come first. I don't know the first thing about a reporting system in Florida (all self reporting here in MI) but that alone should be reported as negligence on the part of the district.

I'd be curious to see what the academic requirements to participate in HS are in other states. It's ridiculous to say academics do not come first (on their end) ... It's still just a HS no matter how much talent they have/produce.

So let me get this straight: Because you saw some kids in Lake City, FL training for football during a week day, that means we should stop recruiting the Midwest and instead focus on middling prospects in the South? Particularly ones with fancy rims and energy drink decals?

I don't get why so many kids want to play for James Franklin. I see his antics on the sidelines and the way he talks to people in his douchey, condescending way and I'd want to kick him out of my house immediately.

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." -John Heisman

Isn't he visiting this weekend? I thought I heard Webb say that a few days ago. I believe I'm getting that right. Ace and Brandon have mentioned him, most recently indicating that Clemson is his leader. Supposed to decide in the next several weeks.

The Michigan coaches may be slowing down on him because the prospects of him becoming a Wolverine may be decreasing. It's not that he isn't still #1 on their board and that they still aren't recruiting him, instead, it's more likely that they are casting a larger net to ensure they get a prospect they like at the position.

I just don't want us to sound like the guys that just say "we cooled on him because we liked other players better" after it becomes more likely a guy commits elsewhere.

Basketball, football, it doesn't matter—most of those schools, and their fans, have very different notions of what is ethical when it comes to recruiting and retaining players compared to Michigan. Boosters have been funnelling money to football players at Alabama and Auburn and Kentucky basketballers for decades.

“Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard." — Mencken

"Thick upper body, narrow from waist down, which is how I like tackles."

Mind expounding? I thought I recalled seeing a prominent coach proclaim that he looks for the opposite in OL - a big bottom/wide base. I'm thinking your preference has something to do with projected mobility/lateral movement.

As for left tackle prospects, I prefer guys with body types like Newsome has. They have to be mobile, and I think if you look at a guy like Taylor Lewan, he was that type coming out of high school. For guys who play on the interior or maybe RT, I like guys with a badonkadonk.

Yeah. My guess is that if it goes past April 1st, he will end up at Michigan State. I think the kid is bound to stick to his guns and attend the school he chose since he'll essentially be an adult at that point. That's just my guess, though.